Information Architecture for the World Wide Web: Designing Large-Scale Web Sites

17.6. The Information Architecture Value Checklist

Whatever technique you use to make the case for information architecture, and whether you're making a quantitative or qualitative case, there is a checklist of points that might be relevant to your case or story. Some of these points pertain more to intranets, while others are more relevant to external sites. We suggest that you first consider your situation (the type of site you're working on, whether you're a consultant or in-house information architect, etc.) and where you are in the process of case-making (pre-sales, sales, or while the project is underway). Then, as you prepare to make your case, review this checklist to make sure you're not missing an important point:

• Reduces the cost of finding information

• Reduces the cost of finding wrong information

• Reduces the cost of not finding information at all

• Provides a competitive advantage

• Increases product awareness

• Increases sales

• Makes using a site a more enjoyable experience

• Improves brand loyalty

• Reduces reliance upon documentation

• Reduces maintenance costs

• Reduces training costs

• Reduces staff turnover

• Reduces organizational upheaval

• Reduces organizational politicking

• Improves knowledge sharing

• Reduces duplication of effort

• Solidifies business strategy